The new comer always gets stuck with the weekend classes. However, it does also depend largely on the cram school, because some simply don't have weekend classes. It will vary from school to school, but be prepared to on Saturday just in case.

Last edited by creztor on Fri Nov 11, 2011 6:39 am; edited 1 time in total

There's no negotiating with the majority of cram schools. If you don't do weekends, you'll either be fired or they will make sure they don't rehire you. The same goes for any of their "extra activities" such as Xmas etc. I learnt this the hard way I would go so far as to say that for the average cram school jobs there's no such thing as negotiating. Of course I am just generalizing, but there's far too many teachers looking for work and schools know this. It's their way or the highway.

Last edited by creztor on Sun Nov 13, 2011 3:29 pm; edited 1 time in total

I'm coming to Taiwan and was curious about the likelihood of working weekends, primarily Saturday. I've seen many job postings that mention "free weekends!" however I've also read that your bushiban may say initially that you won't work weekends but later strongly suggest that you do. Essentially leaving you little room to say no.

What has been your experience?

Thanks.

Shane English School tends to work you on Saturday, but you still get two days off. Might have to negotiate getting the two days consecutive. I had Sunday and Tuesday off, which blew, but the other teacher at my school got Sunday and Monday off. Suppose you could check what schedule they're giving you.

Just choose a job that doesn't require weekend work if that's a problem. There are plenty of schools that can't find enough students for weekend classes in the present economic conditions. It's not too hard.

There's no negotiating with the majority of cram schools. If you don't do weekends, you'll either be fired or they will make sure they don't rehire you. The same goes for any of their "extra activities" such as Xmas etc. I learnt this the hard way I would go so far as to say that for the average cram school jobs there's no such thing as negotiating. Of course I am just generalizing, but there's far too many teachers looking for work and schools know this. It's their way or the highway.

It's a schools' market now and they know it. It's not a teachers market anymore. I heard on Yahoo news that up to 6% of Americans have left their country for greener pastures.

This may be true, but it's still possible to choose between better or worse schools.

Very True, but those two lines are becoming very blurred. Boss tells/assigns me a couple hours for Saturday mornings. I say okay. Or if I say no, my boss will say okay and hire another teacher. Then when I need those hours, they are gone; better yet, if I were not fitting in or getting along and the other new teacher is, guess what? You know the rest of that story. Best you can do is grin and bear it in most tight situations. There aren't many options out there. I have been searching everywhere and 90% of the schools just simply say "nope" and turn their heads; coming from down here in the middle part of the Island.